There are a great deal of opportunities when it comes to e-commerce. The level of opportunity depends on your geography and service.

The key to success, with an e-commerce portal, is to stand out above your competitors. To do this, you need to first outline the personality (brand) of your company and form the culture around it. People want to do business with companies they know, like, and trust. You have to convey your passion and authority for your products or services in order to success in e-commerce.

For example, I have a number of e-commerce shops that sell gift items. One of my most successful is centered around a specific dog breed. I not only have this breed as my dogs but I offer advice to my customers as well. My customers not only can tell that I stand by my products but that I "get" them and know first-hand what it's like living with this specific breed.

If I didn't have that passion and personality, this specific shop would never have become successful.

I've been tackling this question from a particular angle for the last 6 months.

Depending on your market, accepting Bitcoin may provide a meaningful value add to your customers, particularly if you're willing to provide a discount to them. That's fair, because the processing fees for a bitcoin transaction or miniscule compared to any other alternative aside from cash.

I've been involved in ecommerce since 2000 and trust me when I say, eCommerce has changed! It's no longer what it used to be. It has matured. Barriers of entry such as technology have been eliminated which allows competitors to rise with minimal investment.

What's important is to have something unique that tells a different story. Not all online shoppers are looking for the lowest price. They do look at the story behind products. Handmade items are being appreciated. Cause marketing is playing a big role. Local shops or online retailers are getting more traction. Think local before going global.

Use marketplaces like eBay/Amazon to test the market before going all out. We are fortunate to have many tools in our disposal that allow you to understand demands of the market. Use social media to engage with those that might need your product.